The Forrest Research Foundation, established through a generous AU $130 million donation by Andrew and Nicola Forrest in 2014, is now accepting applications for its prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowships to be taken up in 2026. These fully funded fellowships are designed to support exceptional early-career researchers of any nationality to conduct ground-breaking research at one of Western Australia’s five universities: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle), and The University of Western Australia.
As part of the Foundation’s mission to build world-class research capacity, the fellowship supports not just intellectual excellence but mentorship and community engagement through residence at Forrest Hall—a dedicated facility fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among outstanding researchers. Here’s everything you need to know.
About the Forrest Fellowship
The Forrest Fellowship is a three-year appointment held in conjunction with a full-time employment contract at one of the five partner universities. It supports innovative and impactful postdoctoral research, with fellows expected to commit to research for at least 0.8 FTE. The program emphasises research excellence, leadership, and a commitment to mentoring other early-career scholars.
Unlike typical postdoctoral positions, this fellowship includes a strong community aspect—Fellows reside at Forrest Hall, mentor Forrest Scholars, and help shape an intellectually vibrant campus community.
Financial Coverage & Benefits
Forrest Fellows receive exceptional financial and in-kind support:
- Salary for three years at Level A Step 8, comparable to The University of Western Australia’s AUD 108,362 plus 17% superannuation. Other universities align similarly.
- Accommodation allowance of approximately AUD 25,116 per annum, administered through residence at Forrest Hall.
- Research and travel grant of up to AUD 12,000 to support fieldwork, conferences, and research-related expenses.
- Relocation allowance, including economy airfare to Perth for international or interstate Fellows.
These combined resources package to over AUD 420,000 across three years.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Timing of PhD: PhD conferred on or after 1 January 2023, or completion expected by 31 December 2025.
- Research involvement: Willingness to reside at Forrest Hall and engage fully in the community ethos.
- Citizenship: Open to candidates of all nationalities.
- Academic achievement: Demonstrated high-calibre research capabilities, leadership, and potential for impact in one of Australia’s research institutions.
The selection process also recognises excellence, creativity, curiosity, and public engagement.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are required to submit via the online portal:
- Completed online application form, indicating preferred host university.
- Curriculum Vitae (up to four pages).
- Publications list (including upload of recent PDF copies).
- List of grants and awards received.
- Details of three referees (at least two academic).
- Photograph (passport-style).
Referee reports will be requested once candidates proceed to interviews.
Timeline & Selection Process
- Applications Open: Mid-to-late May 2025
- Deadline: 11:59 PM AWST, 30 June 2025
- University Screening: by end of July 2025
- Reference & Interview Stage: Mid–late August 2025
- Final Selection: by end of August 2025
- Fellowship Start: Anytime before September 2026
Related:
- Max Planck Doucet Scholarship Germany 2026 Fully Funded
- British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
- RIFS Fellows Program Germany 2026 (Fully Funded)
Application Process
- Prepare preliminary materials, including CV, publication list, and a shortlist of referees.
- Contact prospective mentor at your preferred host university—critical for demonstrating readiness and community alignment.
- Complete and submit the online application via the official portal.
→ Apply via Forrest Research Foundation - Await shortlisting, interviews, and reference call requests.
- Successful candidates will receive an employment contract along with the fellowship award.
Questions or technical issues can be addressed to admin@forrestresearch.org.au.
Fellowship Summary
| Fellowship | Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Institution | Any of five Western Australian universities |
| Paid Location | Forrest Hall, Perth |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Salary | Level A Step 8 plus 17% superannuation |
| Accommodation | AUD 25,116 p.a. allowance |
| Research Fund | One-off AUD 12,000 |
| Relocation | Airfare for international/interstate Fellows |
| Eligibility | PhD candidates/completers (2023–2025), all nationalities |
| Deadline | 30 June 2025 (11:59 PM AWST) |
| Apply Via | Forrest Research Foundation website |
Why Apply?
- Exceptional Funding: A highly competitive salary, living support, and research funding allow focus on impactful research.
- Interdisciplinary Community: Residence at Forrest Hall promotes networking and collaboration across disciplines.
- Mentorship & Outreach: Opportunity to serve as mentor to scholars and take leadership roles within the Foundation.
- Career Impact: This fellowship offers a powerful platform that accelerates postdoctoral trajectories and engagement with Australian research leadership.
Given its generous terms and holistic design, the Forrest Fellowship is a standout opportunity for early-career researchers worldwide. If you are completing your PhD by end-2025 and are committed to excellence and creativity, prepare your application early with mentor engagement in mind.